ST. LOUIS, Oct. 10, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- St. Louis Cancer and Breast Institute became the first in Missouri and fifth in the U.S. to sign an agreement to install the new AccuBoost System for breast irradiation. This new system is the first to allow high dose rate (HDR) treatment of breast cancer in a non-invasive way. Prior to AccuBoost, partial breast irradiation (PBI) treatment was performed via invasive techniques such as employing multiple protruding catheters, or with inflatable balloon devices implanted into the breast. "The AccuBoost is designed to deliver focused radiation to the lumpectomy cavity following either whole breast irradiation (WBI) or as a monotherapy for partial breast irradiation treatment," said Dr. Michael Beat, Radiation Oncologist at St. Louis Cancer and Breast Institute.
Proud to be on the cutting-edge of new technology, Karla Hitchcock, Administrator at St. Louis Cancer and Breast institute, said, "We look forward to having AccuBoost as a new addition to our state-of-the-art facility here in St. Louis. Our goal is to make the best use of new technology in the fight against cancer. Part of that is to make sure we have the latest and best tools available for our physicians."
AccuBoost can be delivered either prior to or after the main external beam portion of women's treatment. The breast is immobilized and imaged in a manner similar to mammography but without excessive pressure. A special applicator is positioned to deliver the radiation with great accuracy.
AccuBoost is designed to accurately target the radiation dose. "Using the AccuBoost allows you to see what you treat and treat what you see," stated Piran Sioshansi, Ph.D., President and CEO of Advanced Radiation Therapy. Dr. Sioshansi continued, "The St. Louis Cancer and Breast Institute just moved to a brand-new modern cancer center, and we are glad that they have selected the most advanced image-guided technology for the benefit of their patients."
"We are excited to be placing an AccuBoost system in St. Louis, and look forward to their starting patient treatments in November," said Bruce Taylor, NREMT-P, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development.
AccuBoost systems are presently installed at four sites in the U.S.: Tufts-NEMC in Boston, MA; DuPage Radiation Oncology in Winfield, IL; Arizona Oncology Services in Phoenix, AZ; as well as Texas Cancer Clinic in San Antonio TX. Five more installations are pending this year.
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